Chatsworth: The Attic Sale

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Lot 57
  • 57

A rare William and Mary carved white marble cistern late 17th Century

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • marble
  • 35cm. high, 92cm. wide, 66cm. deep; 1ft. 2in., 3ft. ¼in., 2ft. 2in.
the single block of marble now in three sections and carved with a moulded edge to the front above a broad cushion shaped breakfront frieze, originally inset into a wall, with cracks and chips 

Literature

Possibly one of those mentioned in the Chatsworth Inventory, October 1764; in the Breakfast Room, two marble basins in the Great Dining Room / a marble slab & marble cistern & two marble basins.

Catalogue Note

The cistern that remains at the top of the Great Staircase, supplied by Burket and Finch in 1694, is very similar to the offered lot. That cistern has a gilded tap fitted so that glasses might be safely rinsed and was supplied at the cost of 13s 6d in 1694. The 1st Duke was particulary ambitious with his use of water.  The Cascade built in the garden, ten water closets and a bagino or bathing room fitted in colourful marbles are a testament to this.

The white marble used in this cistern may well be that which the 1st Duke described as 'Special Marble' in his accounts. This marble was quarried on the Continent and shipped from Holland to Hull and thence to Chatsworth. See James Lees-Milne, 'Chatsworth, Derbyshire I', Country Life, April 11. 1968, p. 892.